The City of Fort Pierce 2018-2019 Public Service grant opportunity will open January 7, 2019 and remain open to accept applications until 3:00pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019. This is a competitive grant program that will provide grant awards up to $5,000 to non-profit public service agencies that serve Fort Pierce individuals and families who earn very low, low or moderate-incomes.
The funding for this program is provided by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Eligible agencies must have a 501(c)(3) tax exemption status and over 51% of their clients must earn very low, low or moderate incomes as defined by U.S. Housing and Urban Development.
Grants will be awarded for various types of projects and programs. Types of projects to be considered include those that improve or enhance educational, job training and employment opportunities; promote local arts and cultural heritage, outdoor activities and a healthy lifestyle; develop interest and participation in neighborhood improvement, beautification, or revitalization and instill and foster community pride; discourage adverse activities such as gangs, crime, drug use and vandalism, and/or provide services directly to lower income citizens.
Organizations that have previously received grant funds from the City of Fort Pierce must apply to fund a program that is new or expanded. For an expanded project, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they can increase the number of assisted clients or services they provide in the coming year.
The deadline to submit applications to the City of Fort Pierce Grants Administration Division is 3:00pm, Thursday, February 7, 2019. In order to be considered for funding, applications must be received in the Grants Administration Division by that date and time.
The City’s Communitywide Council (CWC), a group of citizen volunteers, will review all applications received by the deadline. Their recommendations for grant awards will be presented to the City Commission at a regularly-scheduled meeting. The grant structure is discretionary and decisions of the City Commission are final. There is no appeals process, although applicants may resubmit an application at a later cycle, if one becomes available. Applicants may receive a portion of their original grant request and should be prepared to explain how the project will change should grant award be a lesser amount that requested. Awards will be announced following the City Commission’s decisions.
The 2018-2019 Public Service Grant Guidance and Application can be accessed online beginning Monday, January 7, 2019 at the City’s website: www.cityoffortpierce.com/503/Open-Grant-Opportunities
To request to have the 2018-2019 Public Service Grant Guidance and Application be mailed or emailed, or to obtain more information about the CDBG Public Service Agency Grant Program, call 772-467-3168 or 772-467-3183 or email cscott@city-ftpierce.com or bjosaphat@city-ftpierce.com. Paper applications can be picked up in the Planning Department located on the 2nd floor at Fort Pierce City Hall, 100 North U.S. Hwy. 1, beginning January 7, 2019.